KOMPAS.com – Almost everyone has experienced an itchy throat from time to time.
Itchy throat is a classic sign allergyan allergic reaction, or maybe an early symptom of the disease.
The irritation that is inhaled can irritate the throat and cause it to feel itchy and uncomfortable.
Fortunately, itchy throat can often be treated with over-the-counter drugs and natural remedies.
Also read: Foods that can and should not be consumed when a sore throat
Launch Medical News Today, An irritated itchy throat can be caused by a variety of factors.
Possibility causes an itchy throat include:
1. Allergic rhinitis
Also known as hay fever, allergic rhinitis is probably one of the most common causes of an itchy throat.
Allergic rhinitis occurs when the body overreacts to a harmless substance, releasing a chemical called histamine that causes this overreaction.
Common triggers include pollen, dander, dust, and irritants such as cigarette smoke or exhaust fumes.
Also read: When to see a doctor when you have a sore throat?
2. Allergy food
Allergic reactions to food occur when the body reacts to certain things we eat as if they would harm the body.
The reactions generally develop within minutes or hours of eating the trigger food.
Allergies may be mild with symptoms stopping with an itchy throat or mouth. However, food allergies can be life threatening.
Common trigger foods include peanuts, shellfish, eggs, milk, and oats.
3. Drug allergy
Many people suffer from allergies to certain drugs including penicillin and other antibiotics.
The allergy will range in severity from mild to life-threatening.
Symptoms of a drug allergy can include an itchy throat that starts immediately after taking a new medication.
Also read: Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, and Treatment
4. Bacterial and viral infections
Strep throat or cases of bacterial tonsillitis may start with an itchy throat before progressing to a more severe sore throat.
Viruses such as colds or flu viruses can cause an itchy throat.
If it’s just a cold, it’s unlikely that an itchy throat will develop after a mild illness.
If a person has the flu, their sore throat will get worse and will be accompanied by fever, body aches, and discomfort in the chest.
5. Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water than it has.
This condition is common during hot weather, after exercising, or during illness.
Dehydration can cause dry mouth, a temporary condition in which the mouth and throat don’t have enough saliva.
This can then cause an itchy feeling in the throat.
Also read: 18 Signs of Dehydration to Watch Out For
6. Gastric acid reflux
Also known as heartburn, some people with chronic acid reflux develop throat problems.
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid rises from the stomach into the throat.
An itchy or sore throat may not be the only symptom of reflux.
However, some people have a condition called silent reflux and may only see a chronic itchy throat as a symptom.
7. Drug side effects
Several drugs can cause cough dry and itchy throat that’s not due to an allergic reaction.
People taking ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure should be aware that ACE inhibitors can cause an itchy throat and dry cough.
Most often, these symptoms begin immediately after starting an ACE inhibitor and are not accompanied by other symptoms commonly experienced with an itchy throat.
Also read: 12 Herbal Cough Remedies from Home Foods
Symptoms related to an itchy throat
Often times, an itchy throat is not the only symptom a person may face.
Symptoms that appear along with an itchy throat vary depending on the cause.
An itchy throat caused by allergic rhinitis can be accompanied by a combination of the following symptoms:
- Runny nose or stuffy nose
- Sinus pressure
- Itchy eyes and skin
- Sneezing
- Fatigue
- Swollen, red, or watery eyes
If caused by a drug or food allergy, an itchy throat can occur along with a number of symptoms ranging from mild to requiring urgent medical care.
Also read: 10 Symptoms of Food Poisoning to Watch Out For
Symptoms that can occur with an itchy throat due to drug and food allergies include:
- An itchy red rash known as hives
- Redness of the skin around the eyes
- Itchy ears
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Swelling of the lips, tongue and throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Decrease in blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
Meanwhile, if the itchy throat is caused by an acute illness, it is likely to last briefly and be accompanied by a combination of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Swollen glands
- Muscle ache
- Weakness
- Headache
- Cough
- Nasal congestion
If an itchy throat is caused by dehydration, other symptoms may occur, including:
- Very thirsty
- Dry mouth
- Rare dark urine
If an itchy throat is caused by reflux or heartburn, other symptoms may include:
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Burning sensation in the chest or throat
- Bloated stomach
- The voice box is inflamed
- Tooth enamel is damaged
- Inflamed gums
- Bad taste in mouth
Also read: 13 Foods That Are High in Carbohydrates but Healthy
When to seek medical help for an itchy throat?
Although an itchy throat is usually not a medical emergency, it can be an uncomfortable symptom.
Launch Health LineIf your itchy throat gets worse and is accompanied by wheezing, difficulty breathing, or pain when swallowing, it is better to seek medical attention immediately.
Also seek medical care if your symptoms do not improve over time or with home remedies.
Your doctor will diagnose the condition that causes an itchy throat by asking your medical history first.
The doctor will also ask what happens when you have an itchy throat.
For example, if your itchy throat occurs after going outside, it could indicate an allergy to dust or pollen outdoors.
If your doctor suspects a food allergy, they may ask you to keep a food journal or log.
In the journal, you will keep track of the foods you eat and any symptoms you experience after eating them.
Also read: When to see a doctor when you have a sore throat?
Your doctor also may recommend allergy testing. This can be done by exposing the skin to a small number of known irritants.
If the skin reacts to certain irritants, this indicates an allergy.
Some allergy tests can also be done through blood tests.
To make a diagnosis, your doctor may also check your throat for:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Other signs of inflammation
- Sinus or nasal drainage
– .